Old Tbilisi vs New Tbilisi: Where Should You Stay?

Trying to figure out the best place to stay in Tbilisi? It’s a more important decision than it might seem — the city’s neighborhoods vary a lot in pace, layout, and accessibility. Where you stay can really shape your experience.

Old Tbilisi is where most people start looking — it’s close to the landmarks, full of atmosphere, and easy to explore on foot. But parts of New Tbilisi offer more space, modern amenities, and a quieter feel — which can make a big difference, especially if you’re staying longer or working remotely.

Haven’t stayed in both, on a recent trip to Georgia, I love aspects of both sides of this charming city each with its own advantages. So in this guide, I’ll break down the key differences between Old and New Tbilisi, who each area is best suited for, and a few top-rated hotels in both zones. If you’re visiting for the first time, working remotely, or just want a place that fits your vibe — this will help you make the right call.

Want to check hotel options now?
Compare top-rated places to stay in both Old and New Tbilisi — all with free cancellation and verified guest reviews.
→ [Browse Tbilisi hotels on Booking.com](YOUR AFFILIATE LINK)

Old Tbilisi: What It’s Like to Stay Here

Old Tbilisi is where most visitors fall in love with the city — a charming, historic area filled with colourful balconies, cobbled streets, and a slightly chaotic mix of architectural styles from different eras. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited parts of the region, and the area still feels like a lived-in museum: stone staircases tucked between homes, laundry lines across alleyways, and views of hilltop churches in almost every direction.

Walkability

This part of Tbilisi is highly walkable, though a little uneven. Streets are compact and interconnected, and you’ll find most of the city’s main landmarks just a few minutes apart on foot. It’s the kind of place where wandering without a map is half the fun — though be ready for some hills and the occasional uneven staircase.

Proximity to Attractions

From Old Tbilisi, you can walk to the Sulfur Baths, Narikala Fortress, the Tbilisi cable car, Freedom Square, Rike Park, and the Peace Bridge. It’s also where many of the city’s best-known restaurants, wine bars, and cafés are concentrated. If it’s your first time in the city, this is hands-down the most convenient area to stay.

Noise & Tourist Levels

The downside of being so central is the foot traffic — especially during spring and summer. Popular streets can get noisy, and depending on your hotel, you might hear music or late-night chatter. If you’re a light sleeper like me, it’s worth booking a hotel that mentions soundproofing or a quieter side street, perhaps away from nightclubs or late night restaurants.

Best for: Couples · Short stays · First-time visitors · Food lovers · Sightseeing on foot
Not ideal if: You want peace and quiet or ultra-modern amenities

See Best Hotels in Old Tbilisi”

See Best Hotels in Old Tbilisi →

These handpicked hotels are all located in the heart of the Old Town, with strong Wi-Fi, great reviews, and walkable access to Tbilisi’s main landmarks.

Betlemi Old Town Hotel
Best for: A cozy, romantic stay just steps from the Sulfur Baths
Located on what I think is one of the prettiest streets in the Old Town, this boutique guesthouse mixes traditional balconies with clean, modern rooms. It’s a quiet spot but still within walking distance to everything.
Check rates & availability on Booking.com →

Abanotubani Boutique Hotel
Best for: First-time visitors who want to walk everywhere
Right in the heart of Abanotubani, this hotel has one of the best locations in Tbilisi. You’ll be minutes from the cable car, the Peace Bridge, and every café and wine bar worth visiting.
See photos & book your stay →

Rustaveli Downtown ApartHotel
Best for: Central stays with space to work or cook
If you want to stay near the action but have a bit more independence, these apartment-style rooms come with kitchenettes, fast Wi-Fi, and a quieter setting just off Rustaveli Avenue.
Compare rates and availability →

New Tbilisi: What It’s Like to Stay Here

New Tbilisi — a catch-all for neighborhoods like Vera, Vake, and Saburtalo — offers a more relaxed, local experience. These areas are less touristy and more spacious, with wide sidewalks, modern apartment buildings, leafy parks, and a slower pace that makes day-to-day living easier. You’ll find independent cafés, coworking spots, and some of the city’s best bakeries and restaurants dotted throughout.

Layout & Vibe

Compared to the maze-like alleys of the Old Town, New Tbilisi feels more open and organized. Vera has a mix of old villas and low-rise buildings, Vake is known for embassies and stylish cafés, and Saburtalo is more modern and residential — ideal if you’re staying longer or want better value for money.

Cafés & Coworking

If you’re planning to work remotely, New Tbilisi is a smarter pick. You’ll find coworking hubs like Terminal, Impact Hub, and Loft Office, as well as laptop-friendly cafés with good Wi-Fi and power outlets. Many hotels and apartment-style stays here also cater better to digital nomads.

Quiet & Cost

Outside of rush hour, these areas are calm — no tour groups or souvenir stalls. Hotels tend to be quieter, and you’ll often get more space or amenities for the same price you’d pay in the Old Town.

Best for: Remote workers · Digital nomads · Longer stays · Peace and quiet
Not ideal if: You want to walk to every landmark or soak in old-world charm

See Best Hotels in New Tbilisi →

These hotels are perfect for a quieter stay — all have strong Wi-Fi, easy metro or Bolt access, and a more local neighborhood feel.

Octava Boutique Hotel (Vera)
Best for: Stylish comfort in a laid-back, central neighborhood
This small boutique hotel strikes a balance between quiet and convenience. You’re close to hip cafés, coworking spots, and just a 10-minute walk to Rustaveli. Rooms are bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed.
Check rates & availability on Booking.com →

9Rooms Hotel (Saburtalo)
Best for: Longer stays and easy metro access
Tucked into a quieter part of Saburtalo, 9Rooms offers bright, clean spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. Ideal if you’re planning to stay more than a few nights and want to be near grocery stores, casual restaurants, and the Technical University metro station. Compare availability & guest reviews →

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Tbilisi Tower Apartment Hotel (near Vake)
Best for: Apartment-style living with full kitchens and great views
This modern high-rise offers fully equipped studios and apartments — great for travelers who want their own space to work, cook, or relax. It’s a short ride to central sights, but well located for longer stays or remote work setups.
See rooms and book with free cancellation →

Best Area to Stay in Tbilisi based on your trip style

Trip	Best Area	Why
First-time visitor	Old Tbilisi	Walkable, central, scenic
Digital nomad	New Tbilisi	Coworking, calm, better internet
Couples	Old Tbilisi	Romantic, historic, wine bars
Budget traveler	Either	Depends on deals + location
Night owl	Old Tbilisi	Late bars, views, atmosphere
Long-stay guest	New Tbilisi	Modern flats, less touristy

Still Not Sure? 

Want to explore more options?
I’ve broken down every major neighborhood in Tbilisi — including hidden gems — with hotel picks you can trust.
→ Where to Stay in Tbilisi for First-Time Visitors

FAQ About Staying in Tbilisi

These common questions help visitors choose the best area based on safety, walkability, and travel style.

Is it better to stay in Old Tbilisi or New Tbilisi?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

Old Tbilisi is ideal for first-time visitors. It’s packed with historic architecture, restaurants, and most of the city’s major sights. The atmosphere is lively, and you can walk almost everywhere.

New Tbilisi, including areas like Vera and Vake, is more residential and better suited for longer stays. It’s quieter, less touristy, and popular with remote workers thanks to modern flats and coworking cafes.

Need help deciding? You can compare hotel options in both areas here →

What is the safest area in Tbilisi to stay?

Tbilisi is generally considered safe. For extra peace of mind, look at hotels around Rustaveli Avenue or Vera — both are central, well-lit, and active into the evening. Old Tbilisi is also safe, but some backstreets are quieter after dark, so location and hotel reviews matter.

Look for properties with good reviews, 24-hour reception, and easy access to main roads.

What’s the most walkable area in Tbilisi?

Old Tbilisi is the most walkable part of the city. Most of the top sights — the Sulfur Baths, Narikala Fortress, Freedom Square, Peace Bridge — are just minutes apart on foot. That said, some streets are hilly and uneven, so good shoes are essential.

For flatter terrain with similar convenience, the area around Rustaveli Avenue is a great alternative.

Are there good hotels near the Sulfur Baths?

Yes. The Abanotubani district, where the Sulfur Baths are located, has a good range of boutique hotels and guesthouses just steps from the baths themselves. It’s one of the most atmospheric parts of the city to stay, especially for a short visit.

You can browse top-rated hotels in this area here → See hotels near the Sulfur Baths →